It was hot out the day Rose became a McBride. The sun beat down on the Creek House grounds while the cottonwood's leafy branches cast dappled shadows on Jackson's handsome face. The treehouse made a little shade as Rose stood by the creek in her bare feet, digging her toes into the sun-baked grass. Jackson stood beside her with his sweaty hands clasping hers. He wore a button-down shirt, for once. She wore a dress of blue eyelet lace.

The officiant droned on. Rose suppressed a giggle. It was all so surreal. Marrying Jackson! Her hands trembled, and he squeezed her fingers.

"If anyone here has any reason to object to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Rose's breath hitched, and she looked up at Jackson. He met her gaze steadily. Around them, Mom and Lily, Dad and the twins bore witness, and she was pretty sure none of them would have an unkind word to say about their marriage. She wished Jonah were here to approve, but he'd flown back to Toronto, and Jackson had reassured her multiple times in the weeks since he'd proposed that he didn't need his father's blessing.

It was a hastily thrown together ceremony. Neither Rose nor Jackson had wanted to wait. They'd also been unsure whether word would get out of their plan to wed at the treehouse, which was technically on Creek House grounds and therefore no longer accessible to Jackson. So, they'd hurried a little.

I've waited a lifetime already, Rosie, he'd said when she broached the idea of a quick wedding. I don't want to wait anymore. She'd sighed in relief. After fourteen years apart, the idea of waiting any longer to make their relationship official was anathema to her. She knew her truth in her heart. She loved him too much to let him out of her sight ever again.

Then let's not wait, she'd whispered.

By the time the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Rose was beaming so hard she thought her face would break. She laughed as Jackson swept her into his embrace before the officiant had even finished speaking. Jackson planted a thorough kiss on her lips that left her breathless before he lifted his head and grinned at their wedding party.

Lily hooted through cupped hands.

Jackson let Rose go, but he kept a tight hold on her hand. Rose's heart swelled as she looked first at him, then at their families. Denman and Dalton converged on them, pulling them both into rowdy hugs, then Denman clapped Jackson on the back so hard he almost fell over. Rose laughed, and so did Lily, who came up beside her. Was it Rose's imagination, or was Lily's gaze lingering on Denman?

Dad neared, and Rose stepped into his embrace before motioning Jackson over. Jackson hesitated, looking uncertain, before he stepped forward and stretched out his hand.

Dad looked at Jackson's hand, then gathered him into a hug. "Welcome to the family, Jackson." Then, his voice went so low, Rose wasn't sure she was meant to hear it, he said, "Welcome home."

Tears gathered in Rose's eyes at the emotion that painted her new husband's face as he stepped back and cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Bill," said Jackson softly.

Mom crashed into Rose with a high-pitched wail. "My daughter, married at last." She pulled away and held Rose at arm's length as she dabbed at her eyes. "I never thought I would see the day. Literally, sweetheart. I literally never thought you would find a man."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Mrs. McBride." Mom shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "What a time to be alive. We need music and gin and dancing."

"We were kind of hoping to have a quiet—"

"Nonsense, dear. Nobody likes a wallflower."

Rose rolled her eyes.

Mercifully, Jackson pulled Rose away to stand beneath the treehouse for a moment of quiet. He entwined their fingers, then shaded his eyes with his other hand and looked out at the rolling land around them. Rose followed his gaze. The Rocky Mountains around Dogwood rose sharply out of the ground, white-peaked and jagged where they met the wild blue sky. For a moment, Rose was transported, slipping away to those sweet summer days of years ago when she and Jackson had traversed the grounds hand in hand, exploring, discovering, always together.

"We were always on some adventure, weren't we?" she wondered aloud.

Jackson squeezed her fingers.

"We sure were," he said, a small smile on his lips. "What's on your mind?"

She melted into his arms and sighed. "I was just thinking."

"About?"

"The past." She snuggled into his chest. "And the future."

"And today?"

She smiled. "Yes. And today. Here. Together."

Jackson rested his chin on the top of her head. "Good. That sounds like a great adventure to me."

***